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Cleveland Blackshear, Sr.
December 9, 1935 – August 19, 2024
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." ~ Psalm 23:4

Cleveland Blackshear, Sr., son of Nathaniel Blackshear, Sr. and Elvira Arnold, was born on December 9, 1935, in Jefferson County, Florida. He was a lifelong resident of Madison County, Florida.

Cleveland was preceded in death by both parents; sons: Sylvester Beasley and John Simmons; daughters: Rosemary Beasley, Yolanda Brown, and Betty Jean Barnes; sister: Carrie Blackshear Hamilton; brother: Nathaniel (Lelia) Blackshear, Jr.; brother-in-law: James Davis, Sr.

Cleveland was an outgoing person who enjoyed being in the presence of others. He loved his family, and he loved the times they were all together.

One who loved to work, Cleveland began his employment as a logger with A.J. Cruce Logging Company and later worked at Florida Plywood. However, his most rewarding career experience was with ARC of Big Bend for the disadvantaged/ citizens with mental and physical challenges. For them, he unconditionally gave a helping hand and a willing heart.

Because of his love for fresh air and sunshine and for keeping busy after work, Cleveland spent hours of his pastime beautifying his yard. He also enjoyed the rewards of fishing at his favorite ponds and fishing holes. At the end of the day, however, Cleveland enjoyed watching syndicated series of westerns on television. Among his favorites were Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Raw Hide, The Big Valley, and The Virginian.

"It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God took you home." Cleveland Blackshear, Sr. departed this earthly life and transitioned to his eternal home on Monday, August 19, 2024.

While Cleveland Blackshear, Sr. is gone from his loved ones' sight, he is never from their hearts. Sharing tremendous thankfulness, endless love, and profound gratitude for the longevity of his life are his devoted wife of 42 years: Flossie Mae Williams Blackshear of Madison, FL; sons: Freddie Beasley of New York, Gilbert Beasley and Johnny Ray Beasley, both of Madison, FL, Cleveland (Jecheta) Blackshear, Jr. of Tallahassee, FL, Harry (Shaun) Blackshear of Sarasota, FL, Ronnie (Cassandra) Blackshear of Madison, FL, Isaac (Becky Day) Blackshear of Crestview, FL, and Jerome Blackshear of Monticello, FL; daughters: Latanja Dansey, Sandra Barnes, Beverly Beasley, and Gloria (John Lee) Blackshear Wilson, all of Madison, FL, Tina Williams of Haira, GA, Edna Sue Blackshear and Vonnie Blackshear, both of Madison, FL, Cynthia (Freddie) Morris and Janet Morris, all of Greenville, FL, Prophetess Ardrenia (Michael) Blackshear Lyons of Tallahassee, FL, and Deborah Jones of Valdosta, GA; brother: Clarence (Leila) Blackshear of Jacksonville, FL; sister: Essie Mae Davis of Greenville, FL; cousin raised as a sister: Susie Jay of Greenville, FL; 92 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; along with a host of sorrowing nieces and nephews, other loving relatives; and many other consoling friends.